Infant suffocation prevention apparatus

ABSTRACT

Apparatus ( 10 ) preventing suffocation of an infant (I) by a person (A) rolling over on top of the infant (I) when the infant is lying on a bed (B), rug, or floor. In one embodiment, a frame ( 12 ) affixed to the bed includes a vertical section ( 14 ) extending above the bed on one side of the bed and a horizontally extending section ( 16 ) projecting over the top of the bed from the side of the bed. A sleeve ( 20 ) connected to the horizontally extending section is sized to accommodate an arm (R) of a person laying on the bed next to the infant and keep the arm in its position above the bed so to prevent the person from moving over or on top of the infant and inadvertently smothering or suffocating the infant, thus allowing the infant to lay safe on the bed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

None

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

N/A

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the dangers of someone in bed with an infant falling asleep and rolling over on top of the infant and smothering or suffocation the infant; and, more particularly, to apparatus usable to prevent the person from rolling over or onto the infant and causing the infant's death so the infant can lay safe in bed.

It is not uncommon for adults to lie down in bed next to their infant children. It is also not uncommon for the adult to go to sleep while lying in bed next to the child. Unfortunately, there are numerous occurrences where the adult, while asleep, has rolled over on top of the infant, smothering the child and causing its death by suffocation.

There have been numerous articles written about this problem. A representative example of these articles and publications are attached as Exhibit A to this application and will not be discussed herein. Suffice it to say that while the problem is well-recognized, there has heretofore been no effective solution to this horrendous problem, and the tragedies which result.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to an infant suffocation prevention apparatus. The apparatus, while enabling an adult to lie next to an infant placed on a bed, floor, or other surface, prevents the adult from inadvertently rolling over on top of the infant and causing the infant to suffocate and die.

The apparatus is a portable apparatus that is readily installed on, or adjacent to, a bed. The apparatus first includes a frame affixed to, or set-up adjacent to, one side of the bed. The frame includes a vertical section which extends above a mattress on the bed on which an infant is placed, and a horizontally extending section projecting over the top of the bed. The two sections may be integrally formed or, alternatively, the vertical and horizontal sections are separate parts that are interconnected with each other when the apparatus is assembled.

The apparatus further includes a sleeve connected to the horizontal section of the apparatus, the sleeve being sized to accommodate a person's arm and maintain it in a position above the mattress. The sleeve sufficiently restrains the arm so that the adult is prevented from rolling over on top of an infant lying on the mattress and smothering the infant beneath the person's body.

In one embodiment of the invention, a lower portion of the frame is secured between a bed's mattress and box springs. In a second embodiment, the lower portion of the frame is secured between an underside of the bed and a floor or support on which the bed rests.

Other embodiments of the invention include portable apparatus which can be readily used with a bed or carried during travel with an infant and set on a rug or carpet on which the infant rests, as well as on a bed.

In each embodiment the apparatus is easy to assemble and use and is effective in preventing roll-overs by an adult onto an infant lying next to them which can harm an infant or cause its death.

Other objects and features are in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, together with detailed description which follows, form part of the specification and illustrate the various embodiments described in the specification.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are representations of an infant lying on a bed with an adult lying on the bed next to the infant;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are similar representations to FIGS. 1 and 2, but with the apparatus of the present invention installed so to prevent the adult from rolling over on top of the infant;

FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 4 but illustrates a second frame installation;

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate another embodiment of the invention including a portable apparatus (FIG. 6A), the apparatus in use (FIG. 6B), and a detachable sleeve (FIG. 6C) used with the apparatus;

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a third and portable embodiment of the apparatus, FIG. 7C a fourth and portable embodiment of the apparatus, and FIG. 7D use of the third and fourth embodiments together; and,

FIGS. 8A and 8B a portable apparatus having a hinged center section which can be raised and lowered.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. Additionally, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it will be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an infant I is shown lying on a support such as a mattress M of a bed B. Also shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is an adult A also lying on the mattress next to the infant. As previously noted, it is not uncommon for a person, typically an adult such as a parent, to lie down on the bed next to their infant child I. Again, it sometimes happens that the adult will go to sleep while lying next to the child. A tragedy occurs, however, when the adult, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 2, rolls over on top of the infant, smothering the child and suffocating it to death.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, apparatus 10 of the present invention prevents a roll over occurrence so that if an adult A, lying next to infant I, does start to roll over on top of the child, they cannot do so and no harm will befall the child. Apparatus 10 includes a frame 12 affixed to one side of bed B. As shown in FIG. 4, frame 12 includes a vertical section 14 extending above mattress M on one side of the bed, and a horizontally extending section 16 projecting outwardly over the top of the bed from the upper end of section 14. In FIG. 4, vertical section 14 of frame 12 is shown to have a horizontal, inwardly extending segment 18 which is inserted between the bottom of mattress M and the top of box springs S on which the mattress is supported. While segment 18 is shown in FIG. 4 as extending only partway across bed B between the mattress and box springs, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the section can extend any significant distance, including all the way, across the bed between the mattress and box springs.

Next, apparatus 10 includes a hollow sleeve 20 which is connected or attached to horizontally extending section 16 of frame 12, so to depend from the underside of section 16 as shown in the drawings. Sleeve 20 is sized to accommodate an arm R of the person laying on bed B next to infant I, so to keep the person's arm in an elevated position above the bed. By inserting their arm R into and through sleeve 20 while preparing to lie down on the bed next to the child, the sleeve effectively keeps the person in their position shown in the FIGS. 3 and 4 relative to the infant. That is, assembly 10 now effectively prevents the adult from moving or rolling over or on top of the infant and inadvertently smothering or suffocating the infant.

Sections 14, 16, and 18 of apparatus 10 are of a light weight plastic, metal, or wood construction. Sections 14 and 16 are integrally formed, or if separate components, are joined together in any convenient manner. For example, each section may have a notch formed in it that allows the section to be interlocked when the notches are inter-fitted together. Or, the two sections may be connected together by bolts or screws. For convenience, the two sections may have spaced connection points so apparatus 10 is readily installed on beds of different heights and beds having thicker or thinner mattresses M.

Sleeve 20 is, as noted, a hollow sleeve that is attached to the underside of frame section 16. In one embodiment of the invention, the sleeve is permanently attached to section 16 in any convenient such as stapling or gluing; while, in a another embodiment the sleeve is removably attached to section 16 as by having interconnecting snaps on the sleeve and underside of the section. The length of sleeve 20 is such that when a person inserts their arm into the sleeve, the sleeve substantially encloses their arm from the person's shoulder to their wrist. Enclosing a substantial portion of the arm in sleeve 20 now makes it very difficult for a person to rotate their body over the infant because of the counter force exerted by apparatus 10. It will be appreciated that someone lying next to an infant would not intentionally roll over onto the infant, causing the infant to smother and suffocate, but when such incidents occur, it is usually because the person has fallen asleep and is not aware of their actions. Apparatus 10 thus provides an effective safeguard against this so the infant can lay safe on the bed.

Sleeve 20 is of a fabric or lightweight plastic material that is sufficiently strong so that someone who has inserted their arm into the sleeve cannot readily tear the sleeve away from the support provided by frame section 16. Further, even if someone were to wrench or tear the sleeve away from section 16, the effort to do so would be sufficiently arduous as to wake the person.

Referring to FIG. 5, in a second embodiment of the invention, an apparatus 100 includes a frame 112 affixed beneath or to the underside of bed B so to extend adjacent one side of the bed. Now, frame 112 includes a vertical section 114 extending above mattress M on the one side of bed B, and a horizontally extending section 116 projecting over the top of the bed. Vertical section 114 includes a footing 118 at its base which is positioned against the underside of the bed frame so to support frame 112. Footing 118 is adjustable to fit snugly between the bed frame and the floor on which the bed rests so to keep frame 112 firmly in place once its installation is complete.

As with apparatus 10, apparatus 100 includes a hollow sleeve 120 that is connected or attached to section 116, and depends from the underside of the section. Sleeve 120 again is sized to accommodate the arm of the person lying on the bed next to the infant to keep the person's arm in its elevated position above the bed. Inserting their arm into sleeve 120, when preparing to lie down next to the child, effectively keeps the person in their position shown in FIG. 5 relative to the infant, again preventing movement of the person over or on top of the infant and inadvertently smothering or suffocating the infant.

As with apparatus 10, sections 114 and 116 are of a light weight plastic, metal, or wood construction; and, again, are integrally formed, or if separate pieces, can be joined together in any of the convenient manners described above. As with apparatus 10, sections 114 and 116 can have spaced connection points so apparatus 110 is readily installed on beds of different heights and those having thicker or thinner mattresses M.

Footer 118 can, for example, be a clamping mechanism that rests on the floor and clamps to the underside of the bed, or a threaded screw one end of which bears against the floor with the other end of the screw bearing against the bed frame.

Sleeve 120, as with sleeve 20, is a hollow sleeve that attaches to the underside of frame section 116 and may be permanently or removably attached to section 116 as described above. The length of sleeve 120 is again such that it substantially encloses the arm of a person inserting it into sleeve 120. Doing so again makes it more difficult for a person to rotate their body against the counterforce exerted by apparatus 110 over the infant so the infant will lay safe on the bed. Construction of the sleeve is the same as that described above for sleeve 20.

Referring to FIGS. 6A-6C, a third embodiment of the apparatus, indicated generally as 200, is a portable assembly for use when an infant is not laid down in a bed; but rather, for example, on a rug G. This embodiment of the invention includes pad 202 which sits upon the rug or floor. As particularly shown in FIG. 6B, the pad has a flat upper surface sufficiently large as to support an adult A lying next to an infant I. The pad has a large, generally rectangular section 203 on which the person can lay. Extending outwardly from a middle portion of one longitudinal side of pad 202 is a first tapered section 204 from which outwardly extends a smaller tapered section 205. A pair of generally vertical handholds 206 (as viewed in the drawings) is formed in the lower portion of section 205, and a horizontal slot 207 extends horizontally across the upper end of this section.

As shown in the drawings, a sleeve 208 attaches to pad 202. For this purpose, and as shown in FIG. 6C, sleeve 208 has a pronged connector 210 which is received in a mating connector 212 fitted into slot 207 for connecting the sleeve to the pad cushion 206 for the sleeve to drape over the pad. A strap 214 of sleeve 208 is adjustable to adjust the length of the sleeve. As before, and as shown in FIG. 6B, the open ended section of sleeve 208 is sufficiently long that when an adult inserts their arm into the sleeve, the sleeve covers the arm from the adult's shoulder to their wrist. Therefore, when an adult A using apparatus 200 lies down next to an infant I, their body rests on the pad with sleeve 208 again preventing them from rolling over on top of the child.

Additional features of this embodiment include an inverted V-shaped support 220 against which the adult can support their back when lying down on the pad. The support also prevents the adult from moving backwards on the pad. The handholds 206 allow the adult to adjust their position on the pad so to brace their back against support 220.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, another embodiment of the apparatus, indicated generally as 300, includes a portable mat 302 having a generally rectangular flat section 304 and an upright section 305. The mat is made of a soft pliable material that allows the apparatus to be readily stored. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, as in the previously described embodiment, generally vertically extending handholds 306 and a horizontal slot 307 are formed in section 305. As in the previous embodiment slot 307 is for attachment of a sleeve to the mat, while the handholds help an adult position themselves on the mat.

Also shown in FIG. 7B is a “fanny” pack 310 for storing the mat assembly. The fanny pack has a zipper 312 for opening the pack so components of the assembly can be stored for carrying from one location to another.

In FIG. 7C an apparatus 400 includes a mat 402 with a support 420 similar to the support 220 previously described. FIG. 7D illustrates mat 402 used with mat 302.

Finally, referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, a portable mat 500 has a horizontal, flat section 502 and a section 504 which can be raised to a horizontal position when pivoted upwards as shown in FIG. 8B. Section 504 is pivoted so to lie flat between leg segments 506 of the mat when the mat is not in use. When back section 504 is raised, the horizontal portion of the mat can be slid between the mattress M and bed springs S of a bed B along one side of the mattress. Section 504 has a slot 507 for securing one end of a sleeve, as previously discussed.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects and advantages of the present disclosure have been achieved and other advantageous results have been obtained. 

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:
 1. Apparatus for preventing suffocation of an infant who is lying down by a person lying down next to the infant, comprising: a support allowing a person to lie down next to the infant, the person, when lying down, being adjacent to the infant; and, a hollow sleeve connected to the support, the sleeve sized to accommodate an arm of the person lying down, the sleeve, when the person's arm is inserted through it, keeping the person from moving over on top of the infant and inadvertently smothering or suffocating the infant.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the support comprises a frame affixed to, or adjacent to, one side of a bed, the frame having a vertical section extending above the bed to one side of the bed and a horizontally extending section projecting over the top of the bed from the side thereof; and, the hollow sleeve being connected to the horizontally extending section so to maintain the person's arm in an elevated position above the bed and thereby prevent the person from moving over or on top of the infant and inadvertently smothering or suffocating the infant.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 in which the bed has box springs and a mattress resting on the box springs, and the vertical section of the frame has a horizontal, inwardly extending segment inserted between the bottom of the mattress and the top of box springs on which the mattress is supported.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 in which the segments extends partially or fully across the bed between the mattress and box springs.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2 in which the horizontal and vertical sections of the frame are integrally formed.
 6. The apparatus of claim 2 in which the horizontal and vertical sections of the frame are separate parts interconnected with each other when the apparatus is assembled.
 7. The apparatus of claim 2 in which the sleeve is permanently attached to the horizontal section of the frame.
 8. The apparatus of claim 2 in which the sleeve is removable attached to the horizontal section of the frame.
 9. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the sleeve is sufficiently long as to accommodate the length of a person's arm when the arm is inserted in the sleeve.
 10. The apparatus of claim 2 in which the bed has box springs and a mattress resting on the box springs, and the vertical section of the frame has a footing which fits beneath the box springs and a floor on which the bed rests.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 in which the footing comprises a clamping mechanism that rests on the floor and clamps to an underside of the bed.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10 in which the footing includes a threaded one end of which bears against the floor with the other end of the screw bearing against a frame of the bed.
 13. The apparatus of claim 6 in which the vertical and horizontal sections each have a notch formed in them that allows the sections to be interlocked when the notches are inter-fitted together.
 14. The apparatus of claim 6 in which the vertical and horizontal sections are connected together by bolts or screws.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 in which the vertical and horizontal sections have spaced connection points so the apparatus can be installed on or by beds of different heights and beds having thicker or thinner mattresses.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1 in which the support comprises a pad that can be placed on a floor or rug, the pad being sized to substantially accommodate the body of a person lying on the floor or rug next to the infant, the mat including means for attaching the sleeve to the pad for the person to insert their arm into the sleeve when lying down on the mat next to the infant.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16 further including a support installed on the pad and against which the person can support their back when lying down on the pad.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16 further including handholds formed in the pad by which a person can adjust their position on the pad.
 19. The apparatus of claim 16 in which the pad and sleeve are portable and the apparatus includes a pack in which the pad and sleeve are stored for transporting the apparatus.
 20. A method for preventing the suffocation of infant by a person rolling over on top of the infant when the infant is lying down, the method comprising: providing a support by which a person can lie down next to the infant, the person, when lying down, lying adjacent to the an infant; and, a hollow sleeve connected to the support, the sleeve sized to accommodate an arm of the person lying on or next to the support, the sleeve, when the person's arm is inserted through it, keeping the person from moving over on top of the infant and inadvertently smothering or suffocating the infant. 